Australia's intimidation tactics 'humorous' - Amla

In the aftermath of the Brisbane Test, Hashim Amla made light of the Australian attitude of aggression, calling it "quite humorous," and brushed aside any suggestion of being intimidated. Michael Clarke's men brought out their mean side on the final afternoon as they went in search of nine South African wickets in two and half sessions and managed to finish with five.

In the most intense passage of play of an otherwise slow Test, Australia's attack threw everything at the South African top order after Clarke declared 115 runs ahead. In addition to short balls and movement off the seam they also had a lot to say - particularly to Graeme Smith and Amla.

Amla played on against James Pattinson but was not out because the fast bowler had overstepped - the fourth instance of a no-ball wicket in the match. Later in his innings, Peter Siddle thought he had Amla caught behind. A desperate appeal followed with help from David Warner at short midwicket but Amla said he was certain he had not made contact.

"I actually found it quite humorous. Obviously the guys were a bit pumped up thinking I had nicked the ball. I guess it is a bit funny when guys get emotional when there is no real need to," Amla said. "But it's part of the game. I found it quite funny and just enjoyed the moment. It was a nice patch of play for cricket." Amla was out shortly after when he handed Michael Hussey a catch at short cover.

Smith was also dismissed following a period of high drama. Post-lunch, Pattinson launched a verbal tirade on Smith for pulling away when a bird entered his line of sight when Pattinson was in his delivery stride. Smith waved him away and then faced a series of bouncers before edging a fuller ball to gully.

However, the South African captain also gave no credence to Australia's way with words. "There was a lot of noise out there but I couldn't really make out what was being said," Smith said, dismissively. "It was the same as any other game."

Tensions ran high despite the match petering out to a draw. Michael Clarke would have wanted exactly that as he asked his bowlers to try and cause an almighty collapse and he was pleased with the outcome. "I think the aggression and the intent is the way we play our best cricket and I certainly don't want to stop that," he said. "But we understand there's a line and you can go to the line but you can't overstep it."

Australia's oral traditions in the game have long been the source of a South African undoing. To this day Daryll Cullinan refuses to talk about his experiences in facing Shane Warne and the legend of Steve Waugh telling Herschelle Gibbs he had "dropped the World Cup," after he spilt a catch in the 1999 World Cup lives on despite it being fiction.

While the art of sledging is nothing new, the tactics employed in the Brisbane Test may sound suspiciously close to the 'dossier' which made headlines in the lead up. Both coach Mickey Arthur and Clarke denied the existence of the document and said some of the information contained in it was never discussed by the team.

Although they did not go into the specifics, it was thought that one of those would be to sledge Amla. It was a surprising strategy because Amla is known for his calm demeanor and difficult to rough up. It was also seen as fairly defeatist and made it seem as though Australia had no other ideas to stop Amla from scoring.

In the first innings, that may have been true. Despite nervous strokes and a number of edges, Amla notched up another Test ton. As Australia went for the win, though, they bowled far tighter lines, had better control over their length and even a player of Amla's quality struggled.

While Clarke believes that achievement will give Australia momentum and the mental edge going into Adelaide, Smith was not convinced. "I think a draw was a reflection of both teams."

Amla was also not ready to heap praise on Australia's bowling determination and said that while their attack is very good, "in my opinion, the South African attack is the best in the world." He also used it as an opportunity to punt his own part-time offspin as he followed up with a joke on what to expect in the second Test. "I was really disappointed when Graeme took me out of the attack after just two overs but he said he is resting me for the next Test."

Haha, Amla is a legend! Whilst I am not a huge fan of Smiths batting, he seems to play the game in the right spirit as do most of the Saffers. clarke and the australians on the other hand...

Dummy4
on November 16, 2012, 8:06 GMT

Every one giving comments, the main thing is should ICC take any action??
did the showed any ambition in this regard?? NO .. then ... no need to comments.

V.L
on November 16, 2012, 5:19 GMT

Aus fans getting pumped up should note that SA was one batsman short. The game would have never gotten close if not for that. JP Duminy was Australia's worst nightmare in the previous series and I was hoping he would repeat that. Doesn't matter though. Tahir should be in the squad for the next game at the expense of one of the quicks. As for Aus Starc in place of Hilfenhaus would be good. Will be interesting to see how SA handle the relentless sledging. Too much mouthing off going on and something tells me, that they will end up with a foot in mouth situation! Come on Saffas! Show em' whos the boss.

adeel
on November 16, 2012, 5:18 GMT

"But we understand there's a line and you can go to the line but you can't overstep it." ....i've heard and read this line from aust players for so many years that it doesn't hold value or "integrity" anymore! had these two bowlers been from any other country especially from ind, pak or SL they'd be pulled up match referee immediatley...but as one famous Rudy kurdson said "aust play tough cricket so i let them be"...this is after he was asked why he warned pak bowler danish for over appealing and not warne when he does the same..the world is not a just place is it...Mr Clarke !!!

Kavin
on November 16, 2012, 3:49 GMT

LOL it must be this hopeless lil fellow...i forgot his name..ahh what was it? Umm oh yeah Warner! LOL! He screams like lil girl from point and Amla replies "WHATTTTTTT?" i can't hear you kid!!! ROFLMAO!

Isaac. J
on November 16, 2012, 1:41 GMT

It may be easy for Amla top dismiss Australia's constant sledging as funny .. may be he wants to be diplomatic but it is high time something be done about this form of ridiculous behavior on the cricket field.Everytime Aus is under pressure they bring out this horrible and disgusting behavior.Can the ICC get involved and take action..I think cricket is the only sport that allows this filthy behavior to exists. The world is watching and sledging only pleases arrogant players especially the notorious Aussies
Please keep the game clean...a cricketer

Ben
on November 16, 2012, 0:30 GMT

Always get a good laugh out of the Indian fans whinging about sledging. Even when it's in a game where India is not playing. Every team sledges, it is as much a part of the game as batting, bowling or fielding. Good sledging gets your team fired up to perform well and can mentally impede the opposition. South Africa, England and Australia have all had some world class sledgers. Boucher, Botham, Pietersen, Smith, Merv Hughes, Warney, Matthew Hayden, Flintoff. Amla is playing the game with a very straight bat here. Press conferences are all part of the psychological battle.

mir
on November 15, 2012, 12:30 GMT

What a humble person is Amla. Australians should learn to be humble, which they cannot. They want to win by creating trouble through words and not by playing good cricket. Best Wishes to Amla. I am sure next time will be a hammering of Ausis bowlers.

Dummy4
on November 15, 2012, 11:38 GMT

hahaha its so funny when Aussies talk about other batmes haginf 'chances' specially when most of then their own bowlers overstepped or dropped catches lol. Just to remind these 'cricket fans' when the bowler over steps the ball is ILLEGAL there is no 'chance' after that has happened. also review you home test matches and see how many not outs your players have intimidated out of umpires over time and also how many times your batsmen have 'stood their ground' when they have nicked it.

Raunak
on November 15, 2012, 10:12 GMT

Always talking about the best bowling attack and other things..Mate ur team was flushed out from a winning position to a losing one and ur best bowling attack was hopless and out of sorts..

Owen
on November 16, 2012, 11:56 GMT

Haha, Amla is a legend! Whilst I am not a huge fan of Smiths batting, he seems to play the game in the right spirit as do most of the Saffers. clarke and the australians on the other hand...

Dummy4
on November 16, 2012, 8:06 GMT

Every one giving comments, the main thing is should ICC take any action??
did the showed any ambition in this regard?? NO .. then ... no need to comments.

V.L
on November 16, 2012, 5:19 GMT

Aus fans getting pumped up should note that SA was one batsman short. The game would have never gotten close if not for that. JP Duminy was Australia's worst nightmare in the previous series and I was hoping he would repeat that. Doesn't matter though. Tahir should be in the squad for the next game at the expense of one of the quicks. As for Aus Starc in place of Hilfenhaus would be good. Will be interesting to see how SA handle the relentless sledging. Too much mouthing off going on and something tells me, that they will end up with a foot in mouth situation! Come on Saffas! Show em' whos the boss.

adeel
on November 16, 2012, 5:18 GMT

"But we understand there's a line and you can go to the line but you can't overstep it." ....i've heard and read this line from aust players for so many years that it doesn't hold value or "integrity" anymore! had these two bowlers been from any other country especially from ind, pak or SL they'd be pulled up match referee immediatley...but as one famous Rudy kurdson said "aust play tough cricket so i let them be"...this is after he was asked why he warned pak bowler danish for over appealing and not warne when he does the same..the world is not a just place is it...Mr Clarke !!!

Kavin
on November 16, 2012, 3:49 GMT

LOL it must be this hopeless lil fellow...i forgot his name..ahh what was it? Umm oh yeah Warner! LOL! He screams like lil girl from point and Amla replies "WHATTTTTTT?" i can't hear you kid!!! ROFLMAO!

Isaac. J
on November 16, 2012, 1:41 GMT

It may be easy for Amla top dismiss Australia's constant sledging as funny .. may be he wants to be diplomatic but it is high time something be done about this form of ridiculous behavior on the cricket field.Everytime Aus is under pressure they bring out this horrible and disgusting behavior.Can the ICC get involved and take action..I think cricket is the only sport that allows this filthy behavior to exists. The world is watching and sledging only pleases arrogant players especially the notorious Aussies
Please keep the game clean...a cricketer

Ben
on November 16, 2012, 0:30 GMT

Always get a good laugh out of the Indian fans whinging about sledging. Even when it's in a game where India is not playing. Every team sledges, it is as much a part of the game as batting, bowling or fielding. Good sledging gets your team fired up to perform well and can mentally impede the opposition. South Africa, England and Australia have all had some world class sledgers. Boucher, Botham, Pietersen, Smith, Merv Hughes, Warney, Matthew Hayden, Flintoff. Amla is playing the game with a very straight bat here. Press conferences are all part of the psychological battle.

mir
on November 15, 2012, 12:30 GMT

What a humble person is Amla. Australians should learn to be humble, which they cannot. They want to win by creating trouble through words and not by playing good cricket. Best Wishes to Amla. I am sure next time will be a hammering of Ausis bowlers.

Dummy4
on November 15, 2012, 11:38 GMT

hahaha its so funny when Aussies talk about other batmes haginf 'chances' specially when most of then their own bowlers overstepped or dropped catches lol. Just to remind these 'cricket fans' when the bowler over steps the ball is ILLEGAL there is no 'chance' after that has happened. also review you home test matches and see how many not outs your players have intimidated out of umpires over time and also how many times your batsmen have 'stood their ground' when they have nicked it.

Raunak
on November 15, 2012, 10:12 GMT

Always talking about the best bowling attack and other things..Mate ur team was flushed out from a winning position to a losing one and ur best bowling attack was hopless and out of sorts..

Kamran
on November 15, 2012, 8:46 GMT

May be too much agression made the bowlers bowl no balls which cost them wickets, :-).

Anver
on November 15, 2012, 5:37 GMT

Nobody can disrupt Amla (The Run Making Machine) from scoring big runs..... he's a tough character, so these tactics by Aus won't work & i'm sure he will respond with his heavy blade in this series !!!!

Cricket
on November 15, 2012, 5:22 GMT

Don't really know what guys like Pattinson trying at GABBA. With this mannerless tactic may get short term gain if any but for longterm only your game will help. Look at all the greats they don't need this school boy stuff to showcase there talent .
Clarke is setting bad precedence by approving and not telling off this bad behaviour....!

Bryn
on November 15, 2012, 4:47 GMT

pattinson was all over the south africans on a pitch where they themselves couldnt take a wicket. the guy is going to be a legend.

Bryn
on November 15, 2012, 4:44 GMT

you what i find humorus amla? the fact that south africa came here thinking they were the best team in the world and got dominated as much as it is possible to be dominated and almost lost a match that it was basically impossible to lose. thats what i find humorus.

kieran
on November 15, 2012, 4:03 GMT

The facts remain; Smith was dismissed by Pattinson in both innings cheaply, I don't think he found it amusing. Amla survived numerous chances to post a century and was dismissed twice by Siddle. In the first innings he scored slowly on a benign pitch and in the second he gifted his wicket when SA needed to dig in, resist, and clear the deficit. If I was an SA fan, I wouldn't be laughing or dismissing what occurred. Aggression shows positive intent, something SA lacked for long periods throughout the test.

Peter
on November 15, 2012, 3:42 GMT

@challagalla Absolutely spot on. Although Smith tends to give it back with interest many times, As long as it is not abuse or personal, almost every professional sportsman uses it either in a subtle way or like boxers & inbetween. Thank you for "getting it". Well wishes to your team for the upcoming series.

Matthew
on November 15, 2012, 3:31 GMT

Not a fan of mindless abuse, but I really enjoyed Pattinson bowling to Amla and Smith. The young bloke was fired up and talking a lot, but both SA batsmen seemed to relish the challenge. Amla strikes me as a great guy with an attitude to match his immense talent. Every series these teams play are great contests played hard on the field, and despite what the Aussie-haters say, with much mutual respect.

John
on November 15, 2012, 2:33 GMT

Sure, Australia played well. Pity some players have to resort to brattish behavoiur when the going is tough and things don't go their way. Funny also, how no Aussies referred to the big advantage they had with 11 vs 10 players for the WHOLE match!

pervez
on November 15, 2012, 2:12 GMT

Here we go again !

Another bowler who can sledge better than he can bowl

Memo to James Pattinson:
Mate, conserve your energy and remember you are in the team to take wickets not sledge the opposition.

when you have 563 wickets to your name, maybe a little sledging will be over-looked.
till then concentrate on taking wickets.

Pervez

Peter
on November 15, 2012, 2:09 GMT

@SurlyCynic. Again, sledging is not abuse. Why can't you people understand that? Aggressive play has worked for us, I'll take out sporting success over the past 100 years any time thanks.

Dummy4
on November 15, 2012, 2:08 GMT

Hashim amla is the best in the world.

Marcio
on November 15, 2012, 1:42 GMT

I hereby declare those teams opposing Australia to be morally superior, and would like to single out the Indians in particular for being more superiorer than the rest. And I would especially like to grant this honorific title of "most upstanding and morally superiorist of all" to fans of opponents at those dark times when their teams are being thrashed or simply outplayed by Australia. This beautiful title will help compensate for the sense of powerlessness and inferiority that losing often engenders in those with a diminished sense of self-worth. Meanwhile we Aussie will just take the wins. Thanks for coming.

C
on November 15, 2012, 1:00 GMT

Amla and Smith had the right attitude. Ignore the chatter from the Aussies and concentrate on the next ball. The other option is, give it back as good as you get. Remember Chanderpaul did it against Mcgrath in the West Indies once and irritated the great bowler. Either way it makes for interesting cricket and cricket certainly needs agressive characters to bring back paying spectators. Strangely I find the verbal tirade of Pattinson acceptable [ admittedly i do not know what he said ] and yet draw a line at him pointing Smith to the pavillion. Indian cricketers in the past never sledged but todays generation are different. I once saw [ on TV ]Tendulkar say something to Waugh [ in Chennai 2000 -2001 ]that suspiciously seemed like sledging [ from the reaction on Waugh's face ] and it shows even the most sensible cricketers do indulge in banter and it in most cases is harmless and immediately forgotten. Kohli, Yuvraj, Gambhir are the kind to give it back verbally and thats acceptable.

Harry
on November 15, 2012, 0:51 GMT

@SurlyCynic. Still lecturing us about our culture I see. Guys like you never learn. Do you see us lecturing others about their culture even if we don't agree with it? The thing is, many of your countrymen have settled in down here & fitted in well, they play the same way. We are high achievers, period. We are not passive. We respect other cultures, but never bow to them.

cric
on November 15, 2012, 0:27 GMT

10 men playing against 11 and coming out with a draw is not a bad result for SA on a dead pitch. History shows that touring teams lift their game as they become more familiar with the playing conditions. SA has started well in this series and hopefully they will come back stronger in the next test with a more balanced attack with the inclusion of a spinner.

John
on November 15, 2012, 0:20 GMT

@AshesErnie - LOL, are you serious? I would hope that a cricket team plays to win rather than make friends with neutral crowds, that would mean they have their priorities right. I mean do cricketers really think about how its great that the neutral supporters follow them rather than winning matches... get real.

Ivan
on November 15, 2012, 0:14 GMT

I am sure Amla and Smith got plenty of practice from their ex-team mate Mark Boucher who I recall use to be one of the best sledger in cricket! Boy we all miss seeing him on the field!

Peter
on November 15, 2012, 0:01 GMT

@Hammond. Not sure if the Chappell era changed it, as it was always there. Les Favell was legendary at it, as was Victor Richardson (Chapplell's grandfather). The Chappells would have raised the profile for sure. Let's not forget Max Walker was a part of the the Chappell era & he was a gentleman. From all reports, Thommo never once sledged batsmen (from Viv Richards mouth!) but I guess if you hurled thunderbolts, the ball did you talking for you.

Dummy4
on November 14, 2012, 23:55 GMT

Actually the aggression should come out naturally. Here most of them talked about aggression in australian sport as a attribute. May be, Pattison so-called aggression is manipulated, he is simply shouting to Smith, actually he never got intimitated. Poor lad. Wasim,Donald,Walsh the great few fast bowlers of our era never talked just deliver. Pattison time is reaching for next injury and relieving session.

Dummy4
on November 14, 2012, 23:43 GMT

Aussie "aggression" seems more like a way of pepping themselves up than ruffling any opposition feathers. Frankly, to everyone else including the opposition, it's just entertaining - the way they jump around chattering away. No one could care less for their gibberish. Amla is spot on. Funny is what it is.

des
on November 14, 2012, 23:15 GMT

Chris_P : It may be part of Aussie 'culture' to hurl abuse at each other while playing sports, but it's not necessarily part of the culture of other countries. The fact that you think this behaviour in an international match is fine shows a lack of respect for other cultures, but not really surprising after reading about the Ritchie speeches at Aussie cricket grounds.

django
on November 14, 2012, 23:10 GMT

Wow Firdose, "Australia's oral traditions in the game have long been the source of a South African undoing". I would of thought it would take more than words to win a cricket match against SA, you must of had a REALLY bad team back then. Aus could of sent club cricketers as long as they could sledge and poor old Daryl would be hiding under the covers. Get over it.

naresh
on November 14, 2012, 22:07 GMT

"But we understand there's a line and you can go to the line but you can't overstep it."

this is standard tape recorded stuff for the captains from that tough talking nation.

Noor
on November 14, 2012, 21:48 GMT

@RobTay14: That mentality is how Australia has won 8 out of their last 11 games. And I do believe they're fast approaching becoming number one. South Africa's mentality has lead to them not winning two matches in a row in years.

Dummy4
on November 14, 2012, 20:55 GMT

Sledging is outdated. It works very well if the victims did not anticipate as used to happen in 70's through the 90's. In today's age, sledging is part of the game. everyone expects it to happen and people have just learned to accept it and then ignore it! no one really cares. thats why Amla finds it "funny"

Niles
on November 14, 2012, 20:43 GMT

Without the injury to Duminy RSA would have blasted AUS and their school boy chatter. But i can be biased to support any team playing against AUS and its not their sledging its their dominance over the past 15 years

Peter
on November 14, 2012, 20:34 GMT

@ cricket4ever6, Try looking up the history of test cricket & see which country is the most successful. Not bad for a country of small population & in your words "not good enough to win without it" Not good enough? What game are you watching? This, my friend is part of our culture, it is how we play sports, in the winter we play rugby & Aussie Rules, both tough contact games. Throughout our cricket careers it is played tough from juniors through to grade. It toughens us for work & play. That, in no small way has contributed to our outstanding international sporting achievements in many fields. Please don't lecture us on what is a part of our culture. I would add, the same for our neighbours across the Tasman, our brothers in arms Anzacs.

Steve
on November 14, 2012, 18:33 GMT

Aus "aggressive" style is school boyish and nothing to look up to, they should play like true sports "men" to be role models, and this is why they have few fans outside Aus (players like Gilly being the exception). Resorting to sledging is an admission that they're not good enough to win without it. Clarke's double ton saved the Aussies this time, but SA is the stronger and more consistent test team anywhere in the world, and my bet is still on SA to win the series.

Dummy4
on November 14, 2012, 17:16 GMT

@wolf777 - "But it's part of the game. I found it quite funny and just enjoyed the moment. It was a nice patch of play for cricket." , "There was a lot of noise out there but I couldn't really make out what was being said," Smith said, dismissively. "It was the same as any other game." etcetera .Er, what in this article actually indicates SA were whining?!

Matthew
on November 14, 2012, 16:49 GMT

lol at Amla for this ""I was really disappointed when Graeme took me out of the attack after just two overs but he said he is resting me for the next Test." But yeah he's a real pro and an outstanding batsmen that's been playing well for the last three or four years ago. Nothing wrong with the Aussie aggression but it seems a bit false and won't intimidate good teams.

Dummy4
on November 14, 2012, 16:32 GMT

Amla was surely intimidated as he tapped up another hundred and was looking set for another but was really intimidated when he hit a drive out the middle straight to Hussey, the signs of a man quivering in his boots.

Dummy4
on November 14, 2012, 16:20 GMT

Bring in Duplessis in place of duminy and Elgar In place of Rudolph...looks gr8...but plz dont give a testing time to tsolekile..he may keep wickets but he cant face the australian bowlers..

Haroon
on November 14, 2012, 15:26 GMT

Proteas dont really use talk tactics. Why fight fire with fire. This was a wake up call for SA. They get a feel of Aussie conditions and they go into the next test well rested and hopefully better prepared with "in for the kill mindset". This was like a rehearsal folks. Lets wait and see how things pan out in Adelaide.

Srinivas
on November 14, 2012, 15:22 GMT

Amla! Take a bow! Loved it - "I was really disappointed when Graeme took me out of the attack after just two overs but he said he is resting me for the next Test". ROFL in a pleasant way. I mean, Amla is dead serious there. Makes him even more loveable. Bless! Lots to laugh and at the same time learn from him there. Much respects to Amla - from India.

MUHAMMAD
on November 14, 2012, 15:12 GMT

hes quite a character. AMAZING PLAYER. humble. and thats way to deal with sledging. smile

Amit
on November 14, 2012, 14:35 GMT

Why South Africans are whining? Don't they know how to talk back? They have got better fast bowlers. Why not give the same treatment to the Australia.? I play Club Cricket and at times there is lots of chatter coming from the opposition….I just pay them back with interest and guess what? They stop…

Martin
on November 14, 2012, 14:11 GMT

Whilst this may be construed as clutching at straws, the simple fact is that none of the SA players in the current squad have ever played at this ground before. The Aussies obviously had potentially a slight advantage in the bowling stakes as I am sure most of them have played there before.... This is borne out by tha fact that the SA bowlers sent down more no-balls in this match than I can recall in quite a while. lets see after the next one..

Dummy4
on November 14, 2012, 14:06 GMT

loved those last lines "I was really disappointed when Graeme took me out of the attack after just two overs but he said he is resting me for the next Test." love yo amla... amla, the best... aussies should follow him as role model rather sledging....

Gerald
on November 14, 2012, 14:00 GMT

I see all the Ozzies on here are doing exactly what England did. SA is rubbish. Overrated. 3-0 etc. What ever happened to acknowledging that it will be a good contest and allowing that the teams are close enough that either could win the series? Because that is the reality. We thrashed England in the 1st Test but that one Test did not mean we were miles better than they were, they just didn't play as well as they should've and we did. Oz played well and we muffed a bit in this Test. Don't confuse short term fluctuations with the inherent strength of the team. I mean we even see idiots on here carrying on how "they have never rated Dale Steyn"... get a grip people.

rahul
on November 14, 2012, 13:44 GMT

@NERK . every player has his own attitude . indian players in the past like sachin , dravid , kumble , kapil dev are known to be gentlemen but it 's young indian generation now . kohli has its own attitude & HE ALSO WALKS THE TALK . ALSO SLEDGING IS NOT AN AUSTRALIAN PATENT PRODUCT . ANY BODY CAN SLDEGE . IF PATTINSON CAN SLEDGE THEN SO DOES VIRAT KOHLI . BOTH ARE YOUNG & AGGRESSIVE SUPERSTARS .

Richard
on November 14, 2012, 13:42 GMT

Steve Waugh once came to England brashly announcing that he hadn't "come here to make friends". It now seems that the Aussie cricket team don't go anywhere to make friends. That's why 'neutrals' always support their opponents.

Gerald
on November 14, 2012, 13:35 GMT

I can't believe so many of you believe that Tsolekile is a serious candidate. He is merely there for the worst case scenario if AB gets injured or his back trouble flares up. His average in FC is 29. Over the last 3 years he has averaged 46 I believe compared to guys like Morne van Wyk (who opens with an average of 36) at provincial level and his average has been bumbed by a number of not outs (26% of his innings because he is batting at 7-8). Bringing him in for AB will be a huge weakening of our batting line up.

Dummy4
on November 14, 2012, 13:33 GMT

To win a test match you must have bowlers who can take 20 wickets in 5 days and right now dosent look like SA bowlers have ability to take 20 wickets except Steyn unless Ausie collapsed

Haroon
on November 14, 2012, 13:22 GMT

Lol Amla is an absolute hero. A man of great class in this increasingly crass game.

Sello
on November 14, 2012, 12:27 GMT

@Wessels- what do you mean "simply don't have what it takes"? Last time I checked thats how we got there, I don't see any need to change our gameplan and play like the Aussies. At England we scored 637 @ 3 runs per over and 419 at the same rate. Just because the Aussies prefer "aggressive" cricket doesn't mean we too should play their brand of cricket.

ansar
on November 14, 2012, 12:09 GMT

Amla is great player of Test and ODI ..in these days....He can change game plan of any team.

Warwick
on November 14, 2012, 12:02 GMT

I'm Australian and I think Hashim's comments were spot on. Hashim is a great player with a great attitude.

Dummy4
on November 14, 2012, 11:48 GMT

SA won't number one for log, simply don't have what it takes. They played for a draw from ball one, whereas Aus even after trailing by 450, and with 2 days to play believed they could get a result. They batted for nearly 14 overs less, but scored 120 runs more. In the end they were only 4 wickets short, which is only a bad shot and a panic away. The other thing is SA is only number one by default as there is so many South Africans in England that they couldn't bear being successful either.

Ali
on November 14, 2012, 11:42 GMT

Well as far as i know, amla is not only the most calm player in cricket nowadays but also the most gentleman cricketer of all cricketers in the modern cricket...even if the umpire doesnt hear the edge and the bowler appeals, he will leave the crease himself and walk back to the pavilion, even if its the faintest of edges...he has made life very easy for the umpires too about the caught behind edges...if he edges, he walks himself(even if the umpire doesnt give him out), if he doesnt edge it he will stay at the crease(so the umpire should confidently not give him out)...Therefore in my view, its very difficult to intimidate such a calm player through sledging...goodluck amla and south africa.

Victor
on November 14, 2012, 11:32 GMT

It was a draw. If the Aussies wanna claim a points or psychological win, fine. The series stands @ 0 - 0 with 2 to play.

sam
on November 14, 2012, 10:57 GMT

@stormy16-Did you mention Allen Donald...? No, not doubting the great bowler part-a genuine great of his time and all time of SA. The topic about agression and 'ugly outbursts' w.r.t Allen Donald couldn't be further from the truth- any genuine cric follwer will know better.Also don't think Ambrose fits 'perfectly' to your description in your list...

Robert
on November 14, 2012, 10:42 GMT

@nthuq. How does that mentality get you to number one?? They got to number one because they have the most talented cricketers in the world.

Could the author please stop using American spelling? I believe the words should have been spelled as "humourous" and "demeanour".

Simon
on November 14, 2012, 10:05 GMT

Are you reading this Virat Kohli? I hope so. This is how you handle Australian sledging, in fact this is how you handle sledging in general. You don't have a cry, you don't blame the crowds, you put your head down, score runs and you have a laugh.

Bridget
on November 14, 2012, 9:49 GMT

Pattinson clearly got under Smith and Amla's skin.....saying it was 'funny' is a transparent way of trying to brush it off.
Agression from fast bowlers not matter where they come from is old school and awesome!!!!
Bring on the 2nd test

Dummy4
on November 14, 2012, 9:28 GMT

amla is real hero. once tha ball tech hi bat he is not looking umpir he goes to the pawilion

Noor
on November 14, 2012, 9:09 GMT

The headline seems a bit misleading - Amla found the Australian enthusiasm and desperation to create something out of nothing funny. Which, frankly, amuses me as well. His inability to understand how determination can continue to exist when the odds are a thousand to one against you is telling of the typical South African mentality to merely do enough. This mentality has taken them to number one, but it won't allow them to stay there.

nischal
on November 14, 2012, 9:09 GMT

to say that oz have come out on top psychologically is off the mark. i think this was a good test for the saffas. they were one important player down; the middle and lower middle order got "game time" in a pressure situation. this test served as a good warm-up match for them considering a lot of the squad did not play "red-ball cricket" since the england series whilst the aussies where engaged in there sheffield shield matches. the SA bowlers were undercooked and come the next test match we will see the "real" SA side with faf and tahir. Considering the flat pitch a draw was the only possibility. lessor sides may have capitulated to aussie psycho-warfare but this SA side is made of sterner stuff and i think they were greatful for the practice the match afforded them

Nilantha
on November 14, 2012, 9:03 GMT

as a batsman, i love it when a bowler starts giving me verbals as that is exactly the point I know I have the upper hand...Amla is a superb player and his calmness no doubt adds to his deserved success...

John
on November 14, 2012, 9:01 GMT

@Tjapukai

An interesting word (it means something to Australians). SA faced 1318 balls to get 616 runs, a runs-per-over figure of 2.8, Australia made 565 runs from 828 balls, a run rate of 4.1 runs-per-over. That's quite a different measure (of intent as much as skill). Conversely, SA took but 5 wickets with their 828 balls, while Australia took 14 wickets with their 1318 balls. These figures demonstrate a gulf between the teams in the penetration of the bowling attacks. Nearly three times the number of wickets after significantly less than twice the number of balls (not many more than half as many again). The point is surely that the Australian captain is well justified in taking a positive outlook on the meaning of the result.

Jessee
on November 14, 2012, 8:57 GMT

@VivtheGreatest. Warne and McGrath were far better bowlers I'll give you that. However this young Aussie pace attack really stood up against some of the best batsmen in the world at the moment and after the first day definitely out-bowled the trio from South Africa.

indian cric
on November 14, 2012, 8:55 GMT

...he is resting me for the next test"...funny guy. Has a nice sense of humor to go along with his batting skills.

B
on November 14, 2012, 8:48 GMT

That's the way to handle sledging. Mature and self-assured. Not hissy fits and whining like some other teams.

Dummy4
on November 14, 2012, 8:46 GMT

The aussies never seem capable of wrapping their heads around the concept of the "spirit of cricket". It's hard not to blame them, for they haven't had an ethical, sportsman-like fast bowler ever, once could argue. Len Pascoe, Dennis Lilee, Merv Hughes, Glenn Mcgrath, Shane Warne, Jason Gillespe, the list goes on and on. None of the youngsters today outside of Cummins and Starc seem to have realized that sledging is unethical and detrimental to the spirit of cricket. Let the ball do the talking. It's that simple.

Blessing
on November 14, 2012, 8:37 GMT

I love it when fast bowlers lose their temper and throw a couple of words at the batsman..test cricket at its best.. but for this to be genuinely effctive you need to back up your talk with the ball aswell

Mark
on November 14, 2012, 8:29 GMT

@VivtheGreatest did you not watch the test or read the entire article? Smith and Amla were out shortly after the chirps starting flying. So one could argue the "mediocre bolwers" did back it up.

sfsdf
on November 14, 2012, 8:24 GMT

What was humorous was watching the so called "best SA attack ever" getting treated like park bowlers.

Dru
on November 14, 2012, 8:12 GMT

I am not sure why Australians in particular see the need to be aggressive in playing cricket and this is just the bowlers it seems. If you look at the great fast bowler like Ambrose, Walsh, Imran, Dev, Steyn, Donald, they just bowled with hardly any ugly outbursts at the batter. It seems there is a belief that in order to be good at bowling you need to stoop down to a fairly low level of acceptable behaviour. I do realize as a fast bowler there is a place to be aggressive but does this really need to be this ugly. I know Waugh said its the mental disintergration of the mind - but really you just need to get the guy out with bowling ability. Just look at the greatest bowler in history - Murali - hardly said a word to the batter - just kept getting them out!

JustOUT
on November 14, 2012, 8:04 GMT

Wow... that comes off Amla's mouth.. interesting!!

VINODK
on November 14, 2012, 7:21 GMT

Absolutely agree with Amla ,it is downright humorous when mediocre bowlers keep on mouthing off without the ability to back it up. At least Mcgrath and Warne could bowl.

KARTHIK
on November 14, 2012, 7:18 GMT

I will not agree that Australia has the momentum.Really RSA is the one to have escaped the defeat with their big guns delivering as expected.I would believe RSA would come out with a big burst in the next test.

Dummy4
on November 14, 2012, 7:16 GMT

we want 300 from you Mr. Amal in the second test

greig
on November 14, 2012, 7:15 GMT

Did anyone else see David Warners LBW appeal to Rudolph, while standing at mid off?? I thought he was having an epileptic fit!!!
I think youre wasting your breathe if you are trying to sledge Amla.

No featured comments at the moment.

greig
on November 14, 2012, 7:15 GMT

Did anyone else see David Warners LBW appeal to Rudolph, while standing at mid off?? I thought he was having an epileptic fit!!!
I think youre wasting your breathe if you are trying to sledge Amla.

Dummy4
on November 14, 2012, 7:16 GMT

we want 300 from you Mr. Amal in the second test

KARTHIK
on November 14, 2012, 7:18 GMT

I will not agree that Australia has the momentum.Really RSA is the one to have escaped the defeat with their big guns delivering as expected.I would believe RSA would come out with a big burst in the next test.

VINODK
on November 14, 2012, 7:21 GMT

Absolutely agree with Amla ,it is downright humorous when mediocre bowlers keep on mouthing off without the ability to back it up. At least Mcgrath and Warne could bowl.

JustOUT
on November 14, 2012, 8:04 GMT

Wow... that comes off Amla's mouth.. interesting!!

Dru
on November 14, 2012, 8:12 GMT

I am not sure why Australians in particular see the need to be aggressive in playing cricket and this is just the bowlers it seems. If you look at the great fast bowler like Ambrose, Walsh, Imran, Dev, Steyn, Donald, they just bowled with hardly any ugly outbursts at the batter. It seems there is a belief that in order to be good at bowling you need to stoop down to a fairly low level of acceptable behaviour. I do realize as a fast bowler there is a place to be aggressive but does this really need to be this ugly. I know Waugh said its the mental disintergration of the mind - but really you just need to get the guy out with bowling ability. Just look at the greatest bowler in history - Murali - hardly said a word to the batter - just kept getting them out!

sfsdf
on November 14, 2012, 8:24 GMT

What was humorous was watching the so called "best SA attack ever" getting treated like park bowlers.

Mark
on November 14, 2012, 8:29 GMT

@VivtheGreatest did you not watch the test or read the entire article? Smith and Amla were out shortly after the chirps starting flying. So one could argue the "mediocre bolwers" did back it up.

Blessing
on November 14, 2012, 8:37 GMT

I love it when fast bowlers lose their temper and throw a couple of words at the batsman..test cricket at its best.. but for this to be genuinely effctive you need to back up your talk with the ball aswell

Dummy4
on November 14, 2012, 8:46 GMT

The aussies never seem capable of wrapping their heads around the concept of the "spirit of cricket". It's hard not to blame them, for they haven't had an ethical, sportsman-like fast bowler ever, once could argue. Len Pascoe, Dennis Lilee, Merv Hughes, Glenn Mcgrath, Shane Warne, Jason Gillespe, the list goes on and on. None of the youngsters today outside of Cummins and Starc seem to have realized that sledging is unethical and detrimental to the spirit of cricket. Let the ball do the talking. It's that simple.

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